Guidelines for the management of  patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen: identification of asplenic patients.

• Identification is essential to prevent misdiagnosis of fever.
• All information regarding vaccinations and antibiotic prophylaxis should be conveyed to the patient's GP (a pre-printed letter is available) .
• Patients should be given, and encouraged to carry, a DoH splenectomy warning card (available from pharmacy).
• Patients can sign up for 'Medic-Alert' bracelets:
  • http://www.medicalert.co.uk/ freephone 0800 581420

  Return to main Splenectomy page.

Click here for the full Guideline " Management of patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen"

Page last edited: 20/05/2009

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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